The world of Wistoria is one ravaged by invaders from the sky hundreds of years ago. To repel these invaders, five powerful mages erected a magical barrier that protected the land, with their legacy living on in the form of the "Magia Vander" — the kingdom's most powerful magicians who maintain the barrier. The story is set in Rigarden Magical Academy, where students train to become powerful enough to join the ranks of the Magia Vander.Will Serfort, the main protagonist, dreams of reuniting with his childhood friend Elfaria Albis Serfort, a magical prodigy who became the youngest Magia Vander in history. Despite having no aptitude for magic, Will excels in written exams and monster hunting in the academy’s dungeon, using his unparalleled swordsmanship. Though shunned by many for his lack of magic, his determination and skill soon turn heads as he begins to disrupt the status quo of the magical world.
Wistoria: Wand and Sword (杖と剣のウィストリア, Tsue to Tsurugi no Uisutoria) is a Japanese manga series written by Fujino Ōmori and illustrated by Toshi Aoi. First serialized in Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine in December 2020, the story revolves around a boy with no magical talent striving to become a powerful magician to reunite with his prodigy childhood friend. Despite his lack of magic, the protagonist uses his extraordinary swordsmanship to navigate a world where magic reigns supreme.
In 2024, the manga was adapted into an anime television series produced by Actas and Bandai Namco Pictures, which aired from July to September 2024. A second season has already been announced, much to the excitement of fans.
Airdate: July 7, 2024
Summary: Will Serfort, a student at Rigarden Magical Academy with no magic aptitude, is struggling to progress in a world where magic rules all. Despite his lack of magic, his swordsmanship and intelligence keep him afloat. In this episode, Will faces expulsion if he can’t earn enough credits. When he enters the academy's dangerous dungeon to fight monsters, his lack of magic becomes irrelevant as his sword skill proves to be an asset.
Airdate: July 14, 2024
Summary: Will's determination to stay in the academy is tested as he navigates an important test with Professor Edward Serfence. Despite his physical limitations, Will’s quick thinking and swordsmanship earn him respect from unlikely places. As Will recalls memories of his childhood friend Elfaria, his ambition to reunite with her becomes clearer.
Airdate: July 21, 2024
Summary: Will's exceptional skills continue to catch the attention of higher-ups at Rigarden. After an encounter in the academy’s dungeon, Will impresses Iris X. Stellamaris, who’s been tasked by Elfaria to keep an eye on him. Meanwhile, tensions rise among the students, and the upcoming Grand Magic Festival looms.
Airdate: August 4, 2024
Summary: The Grand Magic Festival is about to begin, and Will is encouraged to participate, despite the fact that his last attempt was an embarrassment. As the top students, including Will's rival Julius, prepare for the event, Will contemplates his strategy while the dynamics of the academy start shifting around him.
Airdate: August 11, 2024
Summary: The Grand Magic Festival kicks off with the Crown Attack event, where students battle to claim the prize. Will teams up with Colette and Sion, but his swordsmanship is put to the test against Julius and other powerful competitors. In this episode, Will must balance teamwork with his personal goal of proving his strength.
Airdate: August 18, 2024
Summary: During the Crown Attack, Will's skills face a new challenge from his teammate-turned-rival, Sion. As tensions between the two escalate, Will must decide how to handle Sion’s growing resentment while still striving to win the competition.
Airdate: August 25, 2024
Summary: Will and Julius face off in a highly anticipated duel, with Julius showcasing his mastery of Elfaria’s famous ice spells. Will, who knows Elfaria’s magic inside out, counters Julius’s moves in unexpected ways. The rivalry between the two comes to a head, but Wignall’s team ultimately secures victory in the event.
Airdate: September 1, 2024
Summary: Will's victory in the duel with Julius earns him respect, but the all-student praxis – a dangerous exam – awaits. Will joins forces with some of the academy’s strongest students, including Lihanna, Julius, Sion, and Wignall, as they prepare for the deadly challenges that lie ahead.
Airdate: September 8, 2024
Summary: The all-student praxis begins, but what starts as a routine dungeon dive turns into a deadly encounter. Will’s group gets separated, with each pair facing increasingly dangerous monsters. As the academy reels from the unexpected attacks, the students' survival depends on quick thinking and cooperation.
Airdate: September 15, 2024
Summary: As the students struggle to reunite and survive the deep dungeon floors, Will’s bond with Wignall strengthens. The two share their personal struggles, as both are outcasts in the magical world. But just as things start to look up, a powerful monster known as the Evil Grand Duke appears, testing Will’s true strength.
Airdate: September 22, 2024
Summary: Will and his teammates fight for their lives against the Evil Grand Duke. Just as all hope seems lost, Will taps into a new power called “Wis” that allows him to absorb magic and infuse it into his sword. With this newfound ability, Will deals a decisive blow to the powerful monster.
Airdate: September 29, 2024
Summary: The battle comes to an end, but not without cost. Will’s party barely survives, only to be saved by Aaron Masterias Oldking, the leader of the Magia Vander. Back at the academy, the students recover while reflecting on the dangers they faced. With new mysteries and even greater challenges on the horizon, Will’s journey is far from over.
The manga began serialization in December 2020 and has been compiled into 10 tankōbon volumes as of June 2024. The English translation is licensed by Kodansha USA, with the first volume released in November 2022. The manga has garnered a dedicated fanbase due to its unique blend of swordplay, magic, and emotional storytelling.
The anime adaptation was announced in February 2024 and aired from July to September 2024. Produced by Actas and Bandai Namco Pictures, the anime is directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara with music composed by Yuki Hayashi. The opening theme is "Fire and Fear" by Penguin Research, and the ending theme is "Frozen" by True. Following the success of the first season, a second season was promptly announced.
The anime adaptation was well-received, praised for its engaging characters, well-animated action sequences, and faithful adaptation of the manga’s plot. Fans have been particularly drawn to Will’s struggle as a non-magical student in a world that values magic above all else, making his story relatable and inspiring.
With a second season already confirmed, fans of Wistoria: Wand and Sword can expect more thrilling adventures as Will continues his journey to become a powerful swordsman and prove that magic is not the only path to greatness. The next season will likely delve deeper into the mysteries of the Magia Vander and explore more of Will’s evolving powers.
The anime is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, which licensed the series for audiences outside Japan. Fans in Southeast Asia can watch the series through Muse Communication.
Stay tuned for updates on the release date for the second season of Wistoria: Wand and Sword. Whether you’re new to the series or a long-time fan of the manga, this magical adventure is one to watch!